Girls flag football is one of the fastest growing sports in the country right now. This year, Lake Park made history by introducing its first flag football program. Lake Park spent the summer recruiting girls for flag football and ended up having 64 girls try out this season.
Head Coach Mr. Pete Kolzow thinks girl’s flag football coming to Lake Park has been a great opportunity for the girls to learn a new sport and that it’s been a very fun experience. Seeing the team grow and get better at flag football is one of Coach Kolzow’s goals with the team and he hopes to achieve great things with them. Getting better every time they play is the biggest thing and they manage to do so every day. Coach Kolzow tells the girls to be “fierce and focused!” to keep them pumped before games!
“The flag football staff is very proud of our girls for having the courage to try a new sport,” Coach Kolzow said.
Many students took advantage of this chance, among them being Gina Desantis (LP ‘26). She joined because of her experience playing powder puff in previous years, which she described as a fun time with friends, and because of her family’s love for football.
“My family has always been huge fans of football as well, and my Dad and I would often play catch together, which helped me develop a love for the sport,” Gina said. According to her, it’s important for players and coaches to have strong communication abilities.
“In order to play as a team, you have to act like one,” Gina said.
It is also important for a team to have coaches that serve as leaders and motivation. Gina looks up to Coach Kolzow because he is very passionate and pushes the girls on the team to perform their best, and because of his unique coaching which encourages the players to be uniform as a team.
“I look up to Coach Kolzow because he is one of the most passionate coaches I have ever had and pushes us girls to play our best,” Gina said. “When we mess up or are having a bad day, he continues to encourage us to keep pushing through and try our hardest to get back up.”
Teaching the girls how to build a deeper connection as a team is also an important aspect of his coaching. Lastly, Gina has some traditions she follows just like any athlete.
“I always play hype music to get me pumped up, and I pray for protection and strength before I play in the game,” Gina said.
Dior Hearn (LP ‘26), also gave us some insight on flag football. She decided to sign up because she was introduced to the sport through her brother and also because she loves the competition of the game.
“I ended up having an open season and decided to do something. I grew up watching my younger brother play football and I really love the competitive and team aspect of the game,” Dior said.
She believes it is very important for players to be coachable and take feedback well. She looks up to all her coaches, including Assistant Varsity Coach Ms. Amanda Perna, because they are trying their best even though this is something that is new to them.
“They especially have to step out of their comfort zone every day. Being able to approach any challenge or change with the grace that they do is very inspiring,” Dior said.
The coaches also try to make sure that the players are prepared with everything they need to know about the game and the teams that they play.
“Our coaches go above and beyond to make sure we are equipped for our games and the teams we play,” Dior said. “From having conversations with refs about the game, studying film from past games and of teams we are playing, to sending out specifics for plays and formations to watch for, we are well prepared for every game.”
Coach Perna is honored to get to coach and help build the program. Watching the girl’s skills improve over time is a very exciting thing and is something she is very proud of. Confidence is key, and Coach Perna hopes that the girls confidence in their talent and skill improves as the season goes on.
“We always remind them of how much growth they have shown us and how talented we believe they are. We remind them that in such a short time, we have developed into a competitive team that can win,” Coach Perna said.
The Lancers won their first ever game in school history on September 13th, a 32-0 victory over South Elgin, but are still seeking their first Dukane Conference win. The JV team is 6-3, with an even 2-2 conference record.
